LAHAD DATU: The State Government will undertake a comprehensive review on issues involving the Palm Height Mosque, with any decision will be made according to the law and the interests of all parties involved.
Sabah Minister of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), Datuk Arifin Arif, said the matter would first be discussed with the State Secretary and the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) to ensure all legal, administrative and planning aspects are fully examined.
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“It is hope that the issue could be resolved amicably through discussions with the relevant agencies while respecting the legal process.
“The state government remained committed to ensuring that any resolution is reached in accordance with existing laws and established planning procedures, while safeguarding the interests of the local community,” he said.
He said this when met after the KKTP Aspirations Tour at Lahad Datu District Council, here, on Saturday.
The Palm Height Mosque became the subject of public attention after the Tawau High Court reportedly granted an interim order to temporarily halt construction pending the resolution of a dispute over the project’s location.
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The dispute arose following claims that the proposed mosque site is situated within Open Space B, an area designated as public recreational space under the approved Palm Height Housing Development Plan.
The matter has prompted public discussion, with various parties calling for a solution that upholds the law, planning regulations and the interests of the surrounding community.
In a separate development, Arifin said KKTP Sabah continues to strengthen oversight of delayed and abandoned housing projects, as well as issues relating to strata titles, to protect the interests of homebuyers across the state.
He said several housing developments, including projects in Kota Kinabalu and the long-delayed Taman Khazanah housing project in Lahad Datu, have been identified for closer monitoring, with detailed reports to be obtained from district officers.
“The ministry would continue working with the relevant agencies to identify practical solutions, including efforts to address delays in strata ownership and to strengthen the implementation of legislation relating to management corporations,” he said.
Commenting on the tour, Arifin said Lahad Datu is the 16th stop in a statewide programme covering all 25 districts and the tour would continue in Kunak before moving to Tambunan, Tenom, Nabawan and Keningau, before concluding in several West Coast districts, including Ranau.
Arifin commended the Lahad Datu dis0stronger local authority finances, which should translate into better services for residents.
He encouraged local authorities to continue prioritising cleanliness, beautification, urban management and efficient public service delivery, adding that these remain key indicators of effective local governance.
Arifin also acknowledged issues raised by the Lahad Datu District Council, including the need for a new waste landfill, public housing (PPR), staffing requirements and employee welfare, saying the ministry would study the proposals and provide support where appropriate.
On the Palauh community, he said the ministry would further examine a proposal to establish a transit centre that could serve as a platform for education and community development programmes, with the participation of relevant government agencies and non-governmental organisations to ensure greater access to education.
He added that the state government would continue addressing issues involving squatter settlements through a coordinated statewide approach aimed at identifying practical and sustainable solutions.
